Page 47 of Hex You

“Kittens! You must hurry or you’ll be late for school.” Xena fluttered around them, ironically more sparrowlike than a cat.

Just as the twins were heading to the front door, backpacks slung over shoulders and insulated coffee cups in hand, Hunter stopped and turned to Xena. “While you’re researching today would you check the old grimoires for references to any Goode witch who might have had trouble channeling the ley line power?”

Mercy turned at the door and nodded. “That’s a really good idea, H.”

“Kittens, is there something Xena should know?” the familiar asked.

The twins shrugged together and Hunter said, “If everything was working right we’d have the gates sealed and we wouldn’t be monster hunting after school today.”

“Very true,” added Mercy.

“You are absolutely correct. I should have thought of it before. I shall research. Have a lovely day at school, kittens,” said Xena. And then she licked their cheeks—quickly—before they could flee.

EIGHTEEN

“I mean I love her and appreciate that she cares about us—a lot—but as usual that cat freaked for no reason,” Mercy said as Hunter easily snagged a front-row parking spot. “We’re early. Like, really early.”

“Yeah.” Hunter sighed, locked the car doors, and shoved the keys in her backpack. “I should have checked the time. We totally could’ve had our coffee at home.”

“Yep. So annoying.” Mercy stopped and jerked her chin at a big, shiny black SUV also parked in the front row. “Hey, that’s Tiffany’s. Her dad gave it to her as a sweet sixteen present a couple months ago.”

Hunter stared. “That costs more than Mom made in a year.”

“Right? Range Rover turned Range Whore-ver.” Mercy giggled at her own joke.

Hunter didn’t giggle. She just looked at her sister.

“What?” Mercy asked.

“We have to stop that,” H said firmly.

“Stop what?”

“Stop being bitchy about the cheerleaders just because they’re cheerleaders,” said Hunter.

“Well, actually, we’re being bitchy about them because they’re horrible. Remember Em’s dad’s funeral? They’re the worst.”

“That doesn’t mean we should be like them, Mag. I mean, how are we not as bad as they are if we act like them?”

Mercy snorted. “You mean minus the uniforms and the massive popularity—oh, and the Range Rover?”

Hunter’s lips curled up at the corners. “Yeah, minus that stuff.” Then she shook her head. “It’s not right that we have some ridiculous feud with them. If they don’t like us, fine. It’s none of our business anyway. Plus, I’ve gotten to know Kylie and I like her. She’s really nice. And you know what Mom would say.”

Mercy blew out a long breath and looked down, shoulders bowing. “Abigail would say we have to look at the inside not the outside of people and give everyone a chance. Shit. We gotta stop being mean to them and—” She broke off, bent down, and picked up something shiny that tinkled musically. “Check it out, H!”

Hunter squinted. “Does that pink leather key chain sayRANGE ROVERin crystals?”

“Yep.” Mercy put her hand over her eyes to block the bright morning sunlight and searched the parking lot. “Isn’t that Tiffany over there with Heather heading out back to the stadium?”

Hunter followed her gaze. “Yeah, I think so.”

“Well, wanna start acting differently right now?” Mercy held up the key chain, which sparkled intensely.

Hunter shook her head, grinned, and said. “No, but yeah.”

“No, but yeah, pretty much sums it up. So, let’s go.” Side by side, they hurried across the parking lot, easily catching the two girls who were walking slowly as Heather texted.

“Hey, Tiffany?” Mercy called when they were not far behind them. “I think Hunter and I found your keys.” She held them up as Tiffany turned.